Vova's lonesome party

[abomvubuso]

The victory parade in Moscow hasn't changed its rituals since the time of Brezhnev and Krushchev, it seems. The minister of defense, adorned in medals and epaulets like a Christmas tree, greeted the soldiers from his cabriolet; high officers from the various types of military formations marched in procession alongside spectacular war machines, and

Comments

[cypukambl]

Eurocentrism is so eurocentric... Chinese and Indian troops and officials on Vova`s lonesome party mean nothing for true humans our Euro-Atlantic partners )))
Russians only look like civilised white people. In fact, they are (unlike Ukrainians) mentally and politically - Asians, flocking together with China, India and Mongolia.
Ask Hitler - he would tell you that in November-December of 1941 the whole Red Army had already been destroyed and only a few involuntary Mongolian regiments stood between German troops and Kremlin.
Ask Goebbels - he would tell you that Asiatic communist Hordes were raping ang looting German maidens and crones. By the way, at the present moment Defence Minister of Russian Federation - Sergey Shoygu - is an Uruk Hai Uriankhai (XIX-century name for Tuvan people, who live on the Western borders of Mongolia

[abomvubuso]

Sarcasm aside (well played by the way), Russia cannot afford to alienate an entire segment of its traditional partners (I wouldn't call them allies at this point), and pretend that having China and India at its side is sufficient for it.

Russia can be as European and civilised as it actually wants to be. It all depends on Russia itself. Regardless of what many conspiracy theorists within Russia (Putin included) would like to believe.

The ribbon had become a forgotten symbol throughout most of the past century. It had given way to communist paraphernalia - until very recently. That is my point about the ribbon.

Now that we've cleared all that out, I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas for a possible improvement of Russia's strained relations with an entire segment of Russia's traditional partners/allies. Because the current situation cannot continue for too long without very negative consequences for both sides.

[cypukambl]

The answer is not a binomial theorem at all. Russia must give Crimea back to Ukraine and change Putin for someone like Khodorkovsky or Navalny. After that Russia will have all the love of the West it can take. Just that simple.

[abomvubuso]

You know, as much as sarcasm could be useful to convey a point, in order to proceed with having a productive debate, sarcasm has to be dropped at some point.

I understand you don't feel like doing that at the moment, so I'm just going to say, "OK" here ;)

[cypukambl]

And that is exactly the point! It really is a sarcastic proposal for me and the most suitable outcome for you. There are not many common points in Russian and Western positions now.

[luzribeiro]

There are. Finance and the economy. Like Bill Clinton used to say, "It's the economy, stupid". Everything else is just bullshit for the gullible.

[cypukambl]

Economy? Really?
Russia pays the whole share, delivers spare parts... and "Mistral" is going to be sunk just not to be given to Putin!
Brilliant!
You mean: there are contracts and there are contracts. Fulfilling obligations is obligatory between civilised people only. Russians? Those Asiatic tyrannical dictatorship-loving savages? They do not deserve the honour of equality. Only when they do what Euro-Atlantic community wants them to do, we can begin considering if we should talk to them.
If suddenly Russia says: our gas costs $200 and not $100 since tomorrow (which never happened yet, it`s a popular bogey only) - it is a blackmail. If Europe says: you won`t get your ship for your money - it`s a political persuasion.
Why is it Russia who must do something to improve relations? Do Europeans need better relations with Russia? Do they really need it? Then they must please Russians to make them love Europe. Sounds unusual, heh? If Europe recognises Russian sovereignty and it`s right to act independent - our relations will become very

[luzribeiro]

It takes two to tango. Relations between two sides can be improved only if both sides want it.

I'm afraid I didn't understand where you were getting with the entire first half of your comment. Yes, the economic interests are at the core of every geopolitical decision. Why do you want to be surprised by that?

[cypukambl]

Economy is about trade. Right? Trade means contarcts. Right? Contracts mean obligations. If obligations are not fulfilled (see: "Mistral"), then there are no contracts, no trade, no economy. Current situation shows us (Russians) clearly that economy in Europe is subordinated to politics.

[luzribeiro]

And politics is driven by economic interests: the hunger for resources, markets, and domination of major trade and delivery routes.

So we end up with the economy again.

[cypukambl]

I agree completely. Economy rules all. Taking money from Russia and not giving them goods in exchange is a very profitable business. Europe should always act that way and every Russian will finally see the advantages of European culture and free market.

[luzribeiro]

Right. And Russia should always violate the international treaties that it signs. That would totally teach them all.

[cypukambl]

Which takes us back to http://talk-politics.livejournal.com/1977782.html?thread=149493430#t149493430

[luzribeiro]

Shrug.

[luvdovz]

You keep blabbering about that Mistral deal. Got anything else?

[cypukambl]

It`s enough for me. Or should Russia also pay for a dozen more unfullfilled deals? Good and very profitable business you`ve got there, as I was just saying!